Chris Cate and his wife Maria (third and fourth from left) surrounded by supporters in Mira Mesa. Photo by Chris Jennewein

San Diego City Councilman Chris Cate officially announced Friday he will run for re-election in District 6 and revealed a record early fundraising total.

Cates told supporters gathered at the Mira Mesa Senior Center that his re-election campaign had raised $250,000 as of the June 30 filing deadline — a record this early in a San Diego City Council race.

“Since our first day in office, our team has worked diligently on behalf of all District 6 neighborhoods,” said Cate. “There is much more that can be done. That’s why I’m running for re-election.”

Mitz Lee, an opponent in the last race, said she was proud to support Cate’s re-election. “I have seen how hard Chris works to serve our district,” said Lee, a former trustee on the San Diego Unified School District’s Board of Education.

Cate also received the official endorsement of the San Diego Police Officers Association and support from other community leaders.

Though the election is non-partisan, Cate is a Republican who was previously a policy advisor to Mayor Kevin Faulconer

The district encompasses Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos and Sorrento Valley.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.